NEW YORK – Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar addressed United Nations Security Council debate on international peace and security, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Depiuty premier thanked Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for convening the debate, describing China’s initiative as reflective of its support for the UN Charter and the multilateral global order. Dar said the protection of international law and the UN system has become increasingly important in the current global environment. He noted that the UN Charter was adopted after World War II to prevent future generations from the devastation of large-scale conflict.
He termed Charter as a foundational document of the international system, stating that it upholds sovereignty, prohibits the use of force, promotes peaceful settlement of disputes, and guarantees the right to self-determination.
Dar said these principles form the basis of Pakistan’s foreign policy and international engagement. He highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and its longstanding support for decolonization, diplomacy, and global cooperation.
He stressed that Pakistan continues to support diplomatic solutions to conflicts, adding that diplomacy should be viewed as a core responsibility of states in maintaining global peace and stability.
Referring to regional developments, he noted Pakistan’s cooperation with Iran, Gulf countries, the United States, and China in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. He also referred to a five-point joint initiative announced by Pakistan and China in Beijing on March 31 aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
He warned that prolonged conflict in the Middle East could pose serious risks to global peace, energy security, and humanitarian conditions, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and secure maritime routes.
On South Asia, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He said lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved through unilateral measures or coercion.
He also described the Indus Waters Treaty as vital for regional stability, stressing that water must not be weaponized and that all international agreements must be respected.
On the Middle East situation, Dar said peace cannot be achieved through occupation, forced displacement, collective punishment, or illegal settlements. He expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank and reiterated Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
He observed that the current global disorder is not due to a lack of principles but their inconsistent application, warning that selective enforcement of international law undermines the credibility of the United Nations.
The deputy premier further supported reforms in the UN Security Council, calling for a more representative, transparent, and effective body. However, he opposed expansion of permanent membership and instead backed an increase in elected non-permanent seats to improve representation for developing countries.
He also highlighted global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, debt burdens, racism, and discrimination such as Islamophobia and xenophobia, saying these must be addressed to achieve lasting peace.
